Tracing post-capitalism in cities: Insights from the commercial capitalism's birthplaces—Genova, Milan, and Naples

Abstract

Research on the sustainability of capitalism and the indication of post-capitalism is growing rapidly. What types of post-capitalism clues in the 21st century can be found in the three Italian cities of Genova, Milan, and Naples, which are the origins of commercial capitalism? These cities, Genova, Milan, and Naples, which have a long history from the inception of commercial capitalism from the 13th century to the present day, reveal the signs of modern capitalism's transition. The findings are as follows: (a) If the fashion industry in large businesses adopts closed open innovation to mitigate the risks of growth without employment and ecological hazards, they will exhibit signs of post-capitalism; (b) If family firms engage in social open innovation within the culture and entertainment industry and the food industry, they will uncover clues of post-capitalism by reducing the risks associated with the care economy and ecological threats; (c) If the craftsmen class pursues market open innovation in the tourism industry or history-based industries, they will discover clues of post-capitalism by addressing the risks of growth without employment and the care economy. These findings highlight how different sectors can contribute to the emergence of post-capitalist indicators in these historic cities. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd